Men-fluencers mouth-taping trend – does it really work?

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you might have noticed a peculiar trend – men taping their mouths shut before bed or even during workouts.

No, this isn’t a new form of silent protest; it’s mouth-taping, a wellness hack that’s gaining traction thanks to ‘men-fluencers’ like Ashton Hall.

They claim it improves sleep, stops snoring and even enhances athletic performance.

But does taping your mouth really make a difference, or is this just another fleeting social media trend?

The logic behind mouth-taping is simple: forcing nasal breathing can promote better oxygen flow, improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.

According to research, breathing through the nose filters air more effectively, increases nitric oxide levels (which can boost circulation) and prevents the throat from drying out – one of the leading causes of snoring.

Men-fluencers promoting mouth-taping say it helps with these symptoms:

Reduces snoring: Keeping the mouth closed prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway.

Improves sleep quality: Nasal breathing may enhance oxygen intake, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.

Prevents dry mouth and bad breath: Waking up with a parched mouth? Mouth-taping stops excessive mouth breathing, reducing bacterial build-up.

Enhances athletic performance: Some athletes believe nasal breathing improves stamina and helps regulate oxygen flow during intense workouts.

But before you reach for duct tape, those trying this trend should explore skin-safe options like micropore tape – a breathable medical tape from pharmacies.

While nasal breathing does have documented health benefits, research on mouth-taping itself is limited. Researchers have found that mouth-taping has helped reduce snoring in mild cases of sleep apnea, but it’s not a cure-all.

Sleep specialists also warn that for people with underlying breathing conditions, mouth-taping could be dangerous rather than helpful.

As for exercise? Some studies suggest nasal breathing can improve endurance, but taping your mouth shut mid-workout may not be the most practical – or safe – approach. – IOL Lifestyle